Posts

Showing posts with the label buildings

Six Best: RIBA Reveals Sterling Prize Shortlist

Image
A Vision of Innovation and Community in Architecture The RIBA Stirling Prize, Britain’s most prestigious award for architecture, has unveiled its shortlist for 2025. This year’s selection highlights a range of groundbreaking projects that reflect the power of design to transform lives and communities. From reimagining social housing to creating spaces that foster collaboration and creativity, these buildings represent a bold vision for the future. Embracing Diversity and Purpose The shortlisted projects showcase a wide array of ambitions, from improving college life to revitalizing neglected homes into vibrant living spaces. According to RIBA President Chris Williamson, these designs demonstrate how architecture can address some of society's most pressing challenges with creativity, adaptability, and care. He emphasized that each project offers a blueprint for how architecture can enrich society, whether through monumental civic buildings or sensitive restorations of iconic land...

Is This the Answer to the Housing Crisis? Aussie Family Builds a Home in Weeks

Image
A New Era in Housing Construction In a time when thousands of Australians are struggling to find affordable housing, a family-owned company is making waves with its innovative approach to construction. FutureFit, based in Drouin, Victoria, is revolutionizing the way homes are built by drastically reducing construction times and offering a viable solution to the country's housing crisis. The company has demonstrated impressive efficiency, completing 10 townhouses in Melbourne from slab to lockup in just 51 days. This achievement highlights the potential of modern construction methods, particularly the use of European panelised building technology. According to Peter Ward, the founder of FutureFit, this technology allows for the assembly of a double-storey townhouse prefab kit in just 2.5 days. Ward believes that if this system is widely adopted, it could provide affordable housing solutions such as a three-bedroom family home built within three months for less than $500,000. He e...

Retro Japan: Timeless Sound and Light in Tokyo's University Auditorium

Image
A Timeless Space of Sound and Light In the heart of Tokyo, nestled on the Ookayama Campus of the Institute of Science Tokyo, stands a remarkable auditorium that has withstood the test of time. This 70th Anniversary Auditorium was constructed using cost-effective materials and innovative methods, making it a unique example of architectural ingenuity. Designed by the esteemed architect Yoshiro Taniguchi, known for his work on the Sento Imperial Palace, the structure was completed nearly seven decades ago. The construction of the auditorium was made possible through donations from alumni and staff, which led to the use of affordable materials and resourceful building techniques. The site itself is strategically located on a sloped terrain, allowing the design to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. This integration not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the functional aspects of the space. Architectural Features and Design Elements The auditorium's ...